Watts riots

The Watts riots occurred in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California from 11 to 16 August 1965. The riots were provoked when an African-American motorist who was pulled over by the LAPD on suspicion of reckless driving engaged in a minor roadside argument with the police, culminating with the police fighting with his family members. Outraged by these allegations of police brutality, the African-American community engaged in six days of looting and arson. The LAPD required the support of 4,000 National Guard troops to quell the riots, resulting in 34 deaths and over $40 million in property damage.